Australian Jewish groups condemn Itamar Ben Gvir over flotilla antics

Australian Jewish organisations have joined international condemnation of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir after he posted a video taunting Gaza flotilla activists detained by Israeli authorities.

Ben Gvir filmed himself at an Ashdod port facility waving an Israeli flag and shouting “Welcome to Israel! We are in charge here!” at dozens of bound activists forced to kneel on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs.

His actions have been globally condemned, including by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council said Ben Gvir’s conduct was “appalling, unacceptable and inflammatory”.

“Detainees simply should not be treated this way, and the international community has the right to expect far better from an Israeli minister,” AIJAC Executive Director Colin Rubenstein said.

“Such behaviour is irresponsible and inexcusable, serving no constructive purpose and only undermines Israel’s legitimate legal and security rights in stopping this flotilla.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said nothing could excuse Ben Gvir’s behaviour.

“We agree entirely with the comments of Israel’s Foreign Minister and Prime Minister condemning Ben Gvir’s actions as disgraceful,” Aghion said.

“The fact that the group had been engaged in an unlawful and provocative action that would benefit Hamas was the reason they were detained, but it does not in any way justify their mistreatment while they were being held. There is simply no excuse.”

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said Ben Gvir “does not represent mainstream Israeli society nor the views of the overwhelming majority of the Australian Jewish community”.

“Minister Ben Gvir’s behaviour falls far below the standards expected of a Minister of the State of Israel. He has repeatedly embarrassed Israel through extremist rhetoric and performative conduct that undermines Israel’s international standing and weakens confidence in its leadership,” Leibler said. “A person with this record of behaviour should not serve in the Israeli Government.”

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said Ben Gvir’s “appalling behaviour is a gift for Israel’s enemies and is inconsistent with the values which underpin Israel’s democracy”.

” It is with the greatness of the Israeli people in mind that we especially condemn Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his most recent grotesque and unacceptable behaviour,” the JBD said in a statement. “The Israeli people and supporters of Israel deserve better than Ben-Gvir. He is an individual completely unworthy of any public office – never mind a ministerial position – and it is shameful that he forms part of the Israeli Government.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on social media the images were “shocking and unacceptable”.

“We condemn his actions and the degrading actions of Israeli authorities towards those detained,” Wong said.

“Australia’s Ambassador to Israel has made representations to Israel, reiterating our call for the release of the detained Australians and for Israel to ensure no ill treatment of any detainees and to act in line with international obligations.”

Wong said she had directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to call in Israel’s Ambassador to Australia to reinforce the message.

Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory noted that Wong had criticised Israel “while remaining notably quiet on other major international issues”.

“What was not acknowledged in her remarks is that Israeli leaders, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, have strongly criticised the actions of Itamar Ben Gvir,” he said.

“Ben Gvir’s actions were condemned across the political spectrum including by his coalition allies. Rather than escalating rhetoric on isolated incidents, there is a need to focus on constructive engagement and on repairing the Australia–Israel relationship, which has deteriorated under the Albanese Government.”

Australia sanctioned Ben Gvir earlier this year.

Ben Gvir’s video begins with a female activist shouting “Free Palestine,” before being grabbed by the head and shoved to the ground by officers who drag her out of Ben Gvir’s way, according to the Times of Israel.

With dozens of bound activists kneeling on the ground, Ben Gvir is seen waving a large Israeli flag. Another shot pans through the kneeling activists as Israel’s national anthem is blasted over a loudspeaker. Ben Gvir is heard shouting “Am Yisrael Chai” (the nation of Israel lives) at a bound detainee trying to argue with him.

Ben Gvir is also heard urging guards at the facility “not [to] be bothered by their screams,” as a woman can be heard crying out in the background.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a rare rebuke of the far-right cabinet member, insisting Ben Gvir’s conduct was not in line with Israel’s values. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also condemned the behaviour.

The video clip has made waves internationally. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the clip “unacceptable,” taking issue with the treatment of activists that violated their human dignity. Italy’s foreign ministry said a member of the country’s parliament and a journalist were among those detained.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also summoned Israel’s ambassador in Paris over the mistreatment of French nationals aboard the flotilla.

While condemning Ben Gvir’s conduct, Australian Jewish organisations defended Israel’s right to intercept the flotilla.

AIJAC said Israel was “fully justified, both legally and operationally, in intercepting vessels attempting to breach the naval blockade”.

“The legality of Israel’s actions, and its right to stop such boats in international waters when they have a declared intent to breach Israel’s legal blockade, has been repeatedly affirmed under international law, including in the UN’s 2011 Palmer Report,” Rubenstein said.

“This latest flotilla was not a genuine humanitarian mission, but a dangerous and provocative political and media stunt. No previous flotillas have carried any meaningful aid for Gaza, and organisers have consistently rejected opportunities to transfer aid through Israel or established international mechanisms.”

AIJAC said reports indicated the flotilla was linked to the Hamas-affiliated Turkish group IHH, which Israel designates as a terrorist organisation and which played a central role in the violent 2010 Mavi Marmara incident.

With TIMES OF ISRAEL